Watch our woods fill up with snow. Here in Montana, cross-country skiing isn't like a quick trip around your back yard. (Unless you have a very big back yard.) We have hundreds of trails in two national parks, nine national forests, 12 wilderness areas as well as numerous lodges and resorts with private trail systems, there's plenty of room for everyone.

Some of America's premier cross-country resorts are in Montana, offering you guided wilderness and wildlife tours, perfectly groomed trails and expert instruction. Or enjoy a guided backcountry ski trip with one of our Montana ski guides.

Ski or skate on groomed tracks, or choose from hundreds of miles of ungroomed trails on public lands. Take a guided wildlife tour or rent a remote forest service cabin and ski into it with your bed and board on your back. Montana's privately owned cross-country ski resorts celebrate winter providing comfortable accommodations that range from snug cabins to full-service lodges.

Many people don't think of going to Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park in the winter. That in itself is a good reason for you to go; you may have acres of white backcountry all to yourself.

THE PARKS IN WINTER
For an unrivaled winter experience, visit Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks. These rugged and pristine lands offer spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing and endless opportunities for winter adventure.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
In Yellowstone, explore miles of backcountry trails, while skiing past bubbling geyser basins and snow-mantled forests. Three of Yellowstone's five entrances are in Montana - Gardiner, Cooke City and West Yellowstone. Guided ski tours, snowcoach tours and snowmobile rentals are available at West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. Two million acres await you in Yellowstone!

* For maps and more information, contact Visitor Services, Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, or call (307)344-7381.

Web: http://www.nps.gov/yell

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
A little less traveled are the one million acres of alpine splendor and the dozen ski trails awaiting visitors to Glacier. You'll find guided tours and ski rentals available for your trip.

* For maps and more information, contact Superintendent, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936, or call (406)888-7800.

Web: http://www.nps.gov/glac

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
T he Montana is as rewarding as each visitor makes it. Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable and assure a quality experience for future visitors.

• Help preserve our heritage by leaving ghost towns, mining camps and other historical attractions intact. The only things that should be taken from these sites are your photographs.

• Respect the rights and property of others. Always get permission before entering private land.

• Dispose of trash properly.

• For your safety and theirs, enjoy wildlife from a distance.

• We're known for our friendliness. Respect our traditions, customs and local ordinances and we'll keep smiling.

• Support our economy; look for the Made in Montana label when you shop.